Saruman and Gandalf: The Untold Friendship
Saruman's turn to evil in The Lord of the Rings is one of the most significant betrayals in literary history, especially when considering the wizards' background with Gandalf the Gray. The depth of their friendship, which was largely omitted from the movies and only briefly touched upon in the books, is essential to understanding the impact of Saruman's betrayal. J.R.R. Tolkien's works provide glimpses into Saruman and Gandalf's past together, but a comprehensive understanding of their relationship requires a deep dive into the appendices of The Lord of the Rings.
why_was_gandalf_weaker_than_saruman
In The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Gandalf reveals that Saruman is the head of his order, a wise wizard he looks to for answers and guidance. However, when Gandalf arrives in Isengard to seek Saruman's counsel about the One Ring, he discovers that his 'old friend' has turned to serve Sauron, driven by a desire for power and the One Ring. The seeds of this betrayal were sown thousands of years before the events of The Lord of the Rings, and Tolkien's works illustrate Saruman's gradual descent into darkness.
lord-of-the-rings-movies-saruman-color-transformation-cut
The Origins of Saruman and Gandalf
Saruman and Gandalf, although appearing as old wizards in The Lord of the Rings, are ancient and immortal angel-like beings known as the Maiar. Their original names were Curumo and Olórin, and they resided in Valinor, the Undying Lands, with the Valar, demigod-like beings. The Valar sent Saruman and Gandalf, along with Radagast, as the Istari, to guide the Men and Elves of Middle-earth in their fight against Sauron's growing dark influence during the Second Age. However, Saruman's eagerness and underlying jealousy of Gandalf's role in their mission became evident from the start.
Ian McKellen as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
The Valar's decision to send Gandalf alongside Saruman, despite the latter's desire to prove himself alone in the world of Men and Elves, ignited the first sparks of jealousy in Saruman. The king and queen of the Valar were determined that Gandalf be second to Saruman, causing a rift in their relationship from the very beginning. Despite the initial appearance of a harmonious partnership, Saruman's jealousy was already brewing as they embarked on their mission to Middle-earth.
lord-of-the-rings-why-gandalf-not-use-full-power
The Growth of Saruman's Jealousy
Saruman's jealousy of Gandalf continued to intensify, especially after the White Wizard was given Narya, one of the Three Elven Rings of Power, by the Elven shipwright Círdan. This act of recognition and trust in Gandalf's pivotal role in the world's salvation fueled Saruman's resentment and envy. Despite showing outward respect to Gandalf, Saruman's true feelings of inferiority and jealousy were further fueled by this unexpected gesture.
The Three Elven Rings of Power in Rings of Power episode 8
Additionally, Saruman's behavior toward Gandalf during the events of The Lord of the Rings books revealed his growing resentment. He mocked Gandalf's interest in Hobbits and secretly developed influence in the Shire, suspecting Gandalf of aspiring to claim influence over the region. Saruman's paranoia and covetous nature regarding Gandalf became increasingly evident as he sought to undermine and belittle his fellow Istari at every opportunity.
Lord of the Rings Saruman at the Scouring of the Shire
The Paranoia and Ultimate Betrayal
Even after his defeat in The Lord of the Rings, Saruman's jealousy and paranoia regarding Gandalf persisted. When offered mercy by Gandalf, Saruman's refusal to comply and his accusations against Gandalf reflected the depths of his jealousy and distrust. His covetous nature, desire for power, and suspicion of Gandalf's intentions ultimately led to his downfall and the tragic betrayal of his former friend.
lord of the rings saruman evil
From the beginning to the end of The Lord of the Rings, Saruman's jealousy and betrayal stemmed from a deep-seated desire for power and influence. His inability to see Gandalf as a friend and mentor, rather than a rival, led to his tragic descent into darkness and the ultimate betrayal of the once strong bond between the two wizards.
Saruman contacts Sauron (1)
